Abstract: An automatic transfer switch for transferring the electrical power supplied to a load between a primary power source and a secondary power source employs one SPST bistable relay, and two SPDT bistable relays to switch power between regular and emergency sources. A fourth relay, a SPDT relay, is optionally employed to direct power from the emergency source to emergency lighting fixtures so that emergency lighting is provided despite the presence of dimming circuits or switched off circuits or the like.

Abstract: A vehicle capacitive key input pad assembly includes a pad comprising a region defining an illuminated character. The assembly also includes a first electrode having electrode fingers and extending at least partially around the illuminated character region, and a second electrode having electrode fingers and at least partially extending into the character region. One or more electrode fingers trace a portion of the illuminated character.

Abstract: Electronic devices require correct power in order to operate correctly. Receiving an incorrect power signal could potentially result in immediate and/or long term harm to the electronic device and/or catastrophic conditions. Certain devices, such as programmable logic controller (“PLC”) modules, may provide variable power to electronic devices, such as field devices comprising sensors and/or actuators. The present inventors have recognized that deciphering between AC and DC input signals before coupling electronic devices to such power sources may advantageously avoid harmful and/or catastrophic conditions. Aspects of the present invention provide an electronic circuit for deciphering between an AC and a DC input signal. Systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: An emergency lighting device (1) for operating a light source, in particular an LED, incorporates an energy storage unit (4), a charging circuit (3) to be supplied with mains supply voltage (Uin) for charging the energy storage unit (4) during a charging operation, wherein the charging circuit (3) has potential isolation, and a driver circuit (5) supplied by the energy storage unit (4) during operation of the emergency light, for operating the light source. A control unit (2) is further provided that is designed to monitor the state of the mains supply voltage (Uin) during the charging operation, and to activate emergency operation upon detecting an emergency state, wherein the control unit (2) determines the state of the mains supply voltage (Uin) from operating parameters of the emergency lighting device (1) measured on the output side of the charging circuit (3).

Abstract: A modular light emitting diode (LED), remote phosphor, and other lighting technologies lighting assembly includes a plurality of lighting subassemblies and a power supply electrically coupled with the plurality of lighting subassemblies in parallel such that each of the plurality of lighting subassemblies receives electrical power from the power supply in parallel with the other of the plurality of lighting subassemblies.

Abstract: A system for recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting that light into electrical current which can be used to power the same light source or other devices. An exemplary embodiment may use photovoltaic cells to recapture light from ceiling lights and convert it into a source of power for the ceiling light. Another embodiment may be a tanning bed that recaptures light using photovoltaic cells. Some embodiments may recapture light from multiple lighting fixtures. An exemplary embodiment may include a computer and battery for storing energy produced by the photovoltaic cells. Another exemplary embodiment is a method of recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting the light into energy which can be used to power electrical activities.

Abstract: An emergency battery converter system provides a low-cost emergency battery converter and lighting system. The battery converter system includes an emergency battery pack, a lighting driver, and an emergency luminaire. In certain example embodiments, the emergency battery pack is coupled to a power delivery system and is charged by the power delivery system. The lighting driver receives power from the battery pack and steps up and regulates the power to be suitable for use by the emergency luminaire. In certain example embodiments, the emergency luminaire illuminates an egress area.

Abstract: An emergency supply circuit for an electronic ballast may include: an output line to feed a supply input of the ballast; a first line to receive a mains supply signal; a second line to receive an emergency supply signal from a battery, with a converter interposed in said second line to boost said supply signal, a switch to alternatively connect said output line to said first or said second line; a controller sensitive to the absence of said mains supply signal and to the charge level of said battery, said controller to produce switching of said switch to connect said output line to said second line in the absence of said mains supply signal on said first line, whereby said output line receives said supply signal, and dimming interface circuitry to drive said dimming control input of said ballast when said output line is connected to said second feed line.

Abstract: An emergency lighting device includes a backup power supply for illuminating a light during a power loss. The lighting device includes a transmitter, which transmits a signal to a receiver during a power outage. When the receiver receives the signal, the source of power switches from the primary power source, e.g., AC utility power, to a backup power source, e.g., DC battery power. The lighting device may include an LED lamp in which AC-LEDs are selectively illuminated when primary power source is delivered and DC-LEDs which are selectively illuminated during a power outage.

Abstract: A lighting system has a receptacle for a light source disposed on a light fixture. The receptacle couples to a first power source, such as standard alternating current available in a building. An electroluminescent (EL) panel is disposed adjacent the light fixture and couples either to the same first power source or to a second power source, such as a direct current emergency power source of a battery or a building. For the EL panel also coupled to the first power source, circuitry illuminates the electroluminescent panel with power from the first power source when the receptacle for the light source is disconnected from the first power source. For the EL panel connected to the second power source, the circuitry illuminates the EL panel with power from the second power source during a failure of the first power source.

Abstract: A high-efficiency ballast arrangement for a lighting fixture has an automatic polarity protection circuit for supplying an output DC voltage of constant polarity no matter in which orientation the fixture is mounted in a DC-powered suspended ceiling system having a DC power supply. A main DC ballast circuit includes a main DC ballast powered by the output DC voltage from the protection circuit to enable a lamp in the fixture to be illuminated during normal operation. An emergency back-up DC ballast circuit includes a battery charged to a charged DC voltage by the output DC voltage during the normal operation, and an emergency DC ballast powered by the charged DC voltage from the battery to enable the lamp in the fixture to be illuminated during emergency operation upon failure of the DC power supply.

Abstract: An LED lighting arrangement comprising at least one LED, for producing light is disclosed. A power supply provides power for the at least one LED. At least one control circuit is coupled to the at least one LED in a way that directly or indirectly uses, to power the at least one control circuit, one or more forward voltage drops across the at least one LED. Beneficially, one or more additional control circuits can be added without redesign of the power supply for the at least one LED.

Abstract: A table lamp with an emergency back up light mounted in the base is disclosed. The base will be clear or opaque such that the light from the back up light can illuminate the area. There is an electronic charger and relay switch located in the base of the lamp, a battery attached to the relay, and a pair of low wattage bulbs attached to the relay. In the event of a power outage the relay will sense the outage and switch on the back up lamps to provide emergency back up lighting.

Abstract: An outdoor lighting device includes first and second LED arrays, first and second electric power supply systems, and a heat conducting substrate for the second electric power supply system. The first LED array works when natural wind blows. The first electric power supply system includes a fan and an electric power generator. The electric power generator is mechanically connected to the fan and configured for converting the kinetic energy of the fan into electric power for the first LED array. The second LED array works when the first LED array does not work. The second electric power supply system includes a solar cell panel for converting solar energy into electric power for the second LED array. The solar cell panel is arranged above the heat conducting substrate, and a space exists between the solar cell panel and the heat conducting substrate, thereby facilitating heat dissipation of the heat conducting substrate.

Abstract: A low-power illumination system for use with an associated barrier operator, or independently, comprises at least one illumination unit adapted to be operable via mains power and a backup power supply, such as a battery. Accordingly, if mains power fails, a low-power light element maintained by the illumination unit may be responsively powered by the backup power supply to provide backup lighting. Alternatively, the barrier operator may be configured to detect a mains power failure, such that when such failure is detected, an illumination command signal also needs sent to the at least one associated illumination unit causing for it to be illuminated.

Abstract: A handheld flashlight includes a head that pivots relative to a body. Three legs pivotally connect to the body and open into a tripod to support the head in an elevated position. The legs are spring-biased toward the open tripod position and are selectively held closed by a detent mechanism. In the closed position, the legs form a flashlight handle that is aligned with an illumination direction of the head and is shaped and sized to be held in the hand of an operator. Each of the three legs contain battery source holders for battery sources that connect to each other in parallel. Diodes are disposed in series with each battery source to prevent the parallel battery sources from discharging each other.

Abstract: In a battery-operated apparatus comprising a load, a battery and a switch in circuit for selectively energizing the load: a comparator compares a potential produced by the battery and a reference potential for de-energizing the load when the battery potential is below a predetermined potential.

Abstract: An emergency lighting arrangement and an emergency lighting apparatus, the arrangement being configured to be coupled to a supply network and the arrangement comprising an electronic ballast for igniting and burning a fluorescent lamp, the emergency lighting apparatus comprising a battery (Batt), recharge device (3) for recharging the battery from the supply network, a supply device (4) for supplying the battery voltage further, and a control unit (B), which is configured to control the devices of the emergency lighting apparatus. The electronic ballast of the emergency lighting system is a controllably dimmable ballast, and the emergency lighting apparatus further comprises a dimming control unit (C) for controlling the dimming of the electronic ballast.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for variable base load demand-side energy management. The system of the present invention includes a power reduction device receiving electrical power from an electrical power source and outputting electrical power to a load. The system of the present invention can control the power delivered to one or more devices in a single facility or to multiple facilities. The system of the present invention can control the power delivered to one or more devices located in one or more facilities by sending control signals over various kinds of networks using various communication methods simultaneously, such as a modem, a LAN, or a WAN such as the Internet.

Abstract: A low voltage ceiling or wall mounted light fixture for residential and commercial lighting includes a plurality of high lumen white LED lights incorporated within the fixtures, a light color diffusion panel and a household current to low voltage DC converter within the fixture to convert the AC current to low voltage DC current, reducing the power required for illumination without replacement of the LED lights.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp assembly is adapted for connection with a power source, and includes a plurality of sets of fluorescent lamps, a plurality of control units and a main power switch. Each of the sets of fluorescent lamps has a lamp seat for holding the fluorescent lamps. The control units are adapted to be connected to the power source and are mounted on the lamp seats, respectively. Each of the control units is connected to a corresponding one of the sets of the fluorescent lamps in parallel for activating the corresponding set of the fluorescent lamps, and has a lamp switch for controlling activation of the corresponding set of the fluorescent lamps. The main power switch is connected to all of the control units and is adapted to be connected to the power source for controlling the power source to provide electrical power to all of the control units.

Abstract: A back-up power system which can accommodate a standard electrical device that is operable from an alternating current power source when alternating current is available, but is operable by a direct-current to direct-current converter when alternating current is unavailable, the converter being powered by replaceable low voltage battery charged by the alternating current source, with the loss of alternating current being sensed to cause the disconnection of the alternating current source and connection to the low-voltage replaceable battery.

Abstract: A systematic configuration of compact fluorescent lamps of different power levels determines the operating parameters for normal operation of each respective lamp in a single-type ballast.

Abstract: A fail-safe lighting system which includes provision for setting priorities or sequences of operation for different lights or sets of lights. When normal power is interrupted, all or a selected number of lights remain lit and/or are dimmed, thus providing a first level of illumination during a predetermined period of time. However, when a selected interval of time has elapsed and the level of charge remaining on the battery or batteries which supply power during the interruption decreases, preselected one or ones of the lights are progressively dimmed or disconnected from the battery acccording to a predetermined schedule. Thus, the time during which one or more extremely critical lights remain lit can be substantially extended without depleting the charge on the battery.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system provided with a U-shaped fluorescent tube having power supplied by a square wave oscillator connected to a relatively small sized battery. A battery charger is employed to charge the battery when the standard AC source is connected to the network. An electronic switching circuit is included which will switch the oscillator on when a network failure is sensed and will switch if off when the network appears to be operating properly. The switching circuit also ensure that the battery does not discharge below a particular voltage level.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interrupted desk lamp generally comprised of a main lamp assembly and an auxiliary lamp assembly. The auxiliary lamp assembly is controlled by means of a photoresistor and an AC power failure lighting circuit to automatically turn on the lamp bulb to provide illumiantion during AC power failure and low intensity of ambient light. The auxiliary lamp assembly may be removed from the device for independent application to serve as an emergency lamp.

Abstract: An improved lamp switching circuit for switching on a second lamp circuit upon every alternate application of power to a first lamp circuit. A magnetic latching relay alternately connects and disconnects the second lamp circuit in parallel with the first whenever power to the circuit is switched off. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors, which respectively operate a set circuit and a reset circuit of the latching relay. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any time. While power is applied to the lamp circuits, one capacitor is charged while the other is kept discharged, in preparation for operation of the latching relay. When power is switched off, a control circuit senses this condition and triggers a thyristor to discharge the capacitor through the corresponding relay coil after a short predetermined time delay. A low voltage regulated power supply is derived from the a.c.

Abstract: This is an emergency lighting system which permits at least one gas discharge lamp to be operated from an AC power source when AC current is present and from a battery when AC signal is not present. The circuit also provides the capability for turning the lamp on under other selected emergency conditions such as in response to an intruder detection, or in response to detection of smoke, heat, water, or some other emergency. In order to converse battery power in the DC mode, controls are also provided for turning off the light or reducing its output level in response to such control inputs as an ambient light detector or manually operated dimmer control. The system also provides a number of other improved features which cause the system to operate more efficiently than prior systems for performing the same function, thus providing greater energy to the lamp with the same source energy input, and reducing the heat generated by the system.

Abstract: A dual-filament light bulb with associated adapter apparatus which uses photovoltaic cells mounted within the light bulb to charge a battery which powers one of the filaments. The adapter apparatus is designed to mount in an ordinary light socket which provides external current to the other filament. The adapter apparatus includes circuitry which alternately switches from the filament powered by the battery to the filament powered by external current in a manner which reduces the amount of electricity needed to produce a given amount of light.

Abstract: An automatic relamping system that provides for operation of a single one of multiple illumination lamps with automatic illumination of a next lamp upon failure of an illuminated lamp. A drive circuit is provided for the multiple lamps including an oscillator and means for connecting the multiple lamps in a parallel circuit with the drive circuit. The connections between lamps include direct conductive conductors so that upon starting of any one of the multiple lamps and ignition thereof, the other lamps are inhibited from ignition due to the reduced "on" voltage, in comparison to the "starting" voltage, of the ignited lamp.

Abstract: An emergency power supply including an input for connection to a power line, an output for connecting the input to electrical equipment so as to supply power thereto from the power line, a supplemental power supply connected to the output and adapted to supply power to the electrical equipment upon a power abnormality in the power line, an electrical energy storage means connected to the supplemental power supply and adapted to supply electrical energy thereto; and a circuit for detecting the abnormalities in the power line.

Abstract: A second lamp is connected to power terminals upon each alternate switching off of a first lamp so that, upon each alternate switching on of the first lamp, the second lamp is illuminated. A magnetic latching relay switches the second lamp into and out of the circuit. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors. One capacitor powers a set circuit of the latching relay, and another capacitor powers a reset circuit. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any one time. While power is applied to the power terminals to illuminate the first light, one capacitor is held discharged while the other capacitor is charged in preparation for powering the latching relay. The discharge of the charged capacitor through the latching relay is controlled electronically by a triac having a control terminal which is brought to control voltage by a fourth capacitor after a third capacitor has been discharged over a predetermined short time.

Abstract: An emergency lighting circuit includes a lamp which can be energized by a battery-inverter circuit upon power failure. The battery is connected to the inverter circuit and the lamp by operation of a relay which is connected to the rectifier supplying charging current to the battery. The rectifier is connected across the line in series with a ballast reactor. The circuit can be used as emergency lighting only or the lamp can be employed for normal lighting purposes and switched to the inverter power when line voltage is interrupted.

Abstract: In a marking display structure for a motor vehicle window, a means is provided which is arranged to illuminate, from inside, a marking display element so that the marking, which represent the type, model or the like of the motor vehicle, can be recognized not only during day time but also at night.

Abstract: A rechargeable lamp assembly utilizing recharging contacts and a mounting unit for recharging purposes that contains mating contacts so that the lamp unit may be recharged when mounted on the mounting unit. The mounting unit includes another set of electrical contacts of the same configuration as those on the lamp unit. Thus a recharging unit for generating a recharging current may be utilized which is connectable either to the mounting unit, to recharge the lamp unit mounted thereon, or directly to the lamp unit. The lamp unit circuitry is adapted to accept any of a number of different recharging units, so as to provide for recharging from a battery source, an AC source, and an AC source with input power-failure indication. The bulb in the lamp unit may be releasably connected to the battery, so that the battery potential may be taken off as an independent power supply for another load, if desired.

Abstract: A control circuit and system is disclosed for providing emergency lighting from a single source of electrical power which itself is capable of providing input power alternately in the form of a sinusoidal power signal and a square wave power signal during interruption of the sinusoidal power signal. In the preferred form of the invention, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID) and an emergency lamp are provided in the same lighting fixture. A control circuit in the form of a power source detector first detects whether a sinusoidal power signal or a square wave signal is being supplied from a power station onto a pair of input lines. The power station automatically supplies the detector with input power in the form of a square wave rather than the normal sinusoidal power signal when an emergency condition exists such as normal power failure.

Abstract: The power/switcher module, bi-filament light bulb, and light bulb socket, of this invention are assembled with standard lamp industry hardware and fittings to provide a lamp fixture with conventional utility increased by the addition of an integrated automatic emergency lighting capability. Normal ON/OFF use of the lamp, while connected to household line current, also provides light bulb filament current for maintaining a full charge on a rechargeable storage battery. The loss of charging current through line current power failure, filament burn out, or selective disconnection by removal of the portable cord, immediately switches on the other filament to battery power, extending the emergency use to that of a portable lantern. Restoration of line current and/or a burned out filament automatically reverts the lamp to normal operation.

Abstract: A converter circuit for use in changing a series wired primary ballast normally employed for operating a mercury vapor lamp to a more energy-efficient high intensity discharge lamp, such as a high pressure sodium lamp, with the circuitry involved incorporating the series type ballasts that usually have operating characteristics for operating a 400 watt and a 175 watt lamp, with the secondary of each ballast comprising isolated neutral secondary winding. These are primary loop series wired ballasts which are controlled by regulators of a constant current type and dimensioned for operating at a 2400 volts ac open circuit voltage class functioning at 60 Hz.

Abstract: A lighting network is described which includes a main gas discharge lamp, a standby lamp and a control circuit. The control circuit senses when the gas discharge lamp is operating normally and turns off the standby lamp. When the discharge lamp is not up to full light output after ignition or has gone out due to a momentary power interruption, the control circuit turns on the standby lamp. The control circuit includes a transistor amplitude discriminator and an electronic switch. The discriminator, which senses the voltage at the discharge lamp terminals, has a transfer characteristic which produces a "low" output over a "normal" range of terminal voltages and a "high" output for terminal voltages below and above the normal range. The electronic switch responds to "high" and "low" discriminator outputs to turn on or turn off the standby lamp, respectively.

Abstract: An instant light lamp combining a miniature arc tube and a standby filament in a sealed vitreous envelope is operated by a high frequency power supply combined with a filament control circuit. The power supply comprises transforming means including voltage sensing means having an output proportional to the drop across the arc tube. The control circuit comprises an electronic switch for energizing the filament and a comparator circuit which has an output gating on the switch when the sensing means output is either above a high limit or below a low limit.

Abstract: Gaseous discharge lamp is connected to a current sensing transformer which generates a signal when the lamp is on to turn on a triac operating a relay for turning off an auxiliary incandescent lamp which automatically operates when the gaseous discharge lamp is extinguished. A time delay circuit including a temperature-sensitive resistor is connected to the triac for keeping the auxiliary lamp in operation until the gaseous discharge lamp reaches a suitable light level.